Concept: Warmth of Belonging

Read about seam member Penny Wheeler’s concept for her Z Twist residency project…

The Z-Twist brief is all about collaborating with industry partners, heritage, new technology and having a sense of place. When I was applying there was much in the news about energy price rises and the ability of the vulnerable to keep warm this winter. Textiles can keep you warmer – wrapping yourself in layers; jumpers, scarves, coats and blankets, helps keep the thermostat lower. But how could that relate to place?

My idea for Z-Twist is all about warmth; the physical warmth provided by textiles, in particular blankets, and the emotional warmth of belonging to a place or community. For me there is that feeling of warmth and relaxation you get when you sense you are nearly home. You may be looking out for a particular landmark, it may be subtle changes that you see out of the corner of you eye, or it may be the community or people…